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Award winning workplace training and consultancy company, HearFirst is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month after signing a partnership agreement with the House of Commons.

The company, which is based in Bacup, Lancashire provides a full range of equality & diversity training courses to organisations across the UK and will provide deaf awareness training to staff within the House of Commons.

Robert Rogers, Clerk of the House of Commons and Chief Executive, said: “The House Service is keen to raise awareness of the issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing visitors and staff in Parliament. HearFirst’s deaf awareness training will focus on improving the knowledge and skills of our front-line staff. The House Service is committed to ensuring greater access and inclusion and is working hard to provide the best possible support for visitors and staff who are deaf or hard of hearing.”

The training that HearFirst delivers includes disability equality & awareness, British Sign Language and Mental Health First Aid and has experienced tremendous growth since it was established by Julie Ryder in 2002.

Julie said, “It is amazing how far the company has evolved over the last ten years and the difference our training has made to our clients, staff and their end users.

“On average, we train over 3,000 people per year and our training is developed and tailored specifically to their own individual needs and circumstances. Our aim is to deliver training that results in real changes for people and to raise the awareness of equality & diversity.

“So much has been achieved since HearFirst was established ten years ago and I would like to thank our clients who we have worked with, which have made HearFirst the success that the company is today.

“We are delighted to have agreed a partnership agreement with the House of Commons and look forward to working with their members of staff.”

Some of HearFirst’s achievements include:

Working with over 140 clients across the UK in the public, private and third sectors including the Forestry Commission, National Deaf Children’s Society and now the Houses of Parliament;

Delivered training to over 30,000 delegates;

Winning a multitude of nationally recognised training awards;

Developed the world’s first Alström Syndrome Awareness course on behalf of Charity Alström Syndrome UK;

Developed an Equality and Diversity Intranet Resource for a client who’s staff needed access to relevant and up to date information 24/7; and

Being the only company in the UK to offer its range of courses all under one brand.

HearFirst’s clients include housing associations, local authorities, schools & colleges, NHS, community groups and commercial organisations to help raise awareness and provide practical tips to ensure they comply with the Equality Act.

The company celebrated its tenth anniversary with Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, who congratulated HearFirst for the work that they have provided to clients over the years. Jake said: “HearFirst has done incredibly well over the last ten years, providing and delivering tailor made awareness courses on a nationwide basis.

“Their founder, Julie, has put tremendous personal effort into making this company successful. I am delighted that this local Rossendale based company has secured a partnership to provide training to Parliamentary Staff and I look forward to seeing her in Westminster.”

For more information on equality and diversity and disability awareness training in the workplace, please contact Julie Ryder at HearFirst on 01706 872816 or visit www.hearfirst.org.uk.